How To Choose the Right HVAC Contractor: 9 Necessary Tips and Tricks

Published July 22, 2024 by Tony Spezza

 

Waking up in the middle of the night to chills or sweats is never fun, especially since you just spent all that money installing, repairing, or maintaining your energy-efficient HVAC unit.

So what gives?

While the efficiency of your HVAC unit is integral to the comfort of your home, so is the proficiency of your HVAC contractor. 

In this article, we will touch on the importance of having a skilled heating and cooling technician and how to choose the right HVAC contractor. 

Table of Contents

• Why Is Choosing the Right HVAC Contractor Important?
• 9 Tips on How To Choose the Right HVAC Contractor
• Choose the Right HVAC Contractor by Selecting AAA Heating and Cooling for All of Your HVAC Needs

Why Is Choosing the Right HVAC Contractor Important?

Often, homeowners pour all of their time, money, and attention into choosing a high-end, energy-efficient HVAC unit and not enough resources into finding the right contractor to install and service it.

Then, when problems ultimately arise, they blame their HVAC unit. 

The Minnesota Department of Commerce conducted a 2016 study to examine how installation and maintenance practices affect HVAC performance. The study found that out of 700 surveyed property owners:

• Price and reputation were the main driving factors for choosing an HVAC contractor.
• Consumers may have little awareness, concern for, or understanding of installation issues that affect the performance of the systems they purchase.
• “Quality” may often be judged by the technology of the equipment and the cleanliness and professionalism of the servicing technician instead of their years of experience and skill level.

Field testing was also conducted in conjunction with the survey, revealing that nine out of ten homes had an installation or maintenance issue that could be corrected to improve HVAC efficiency by up to 12%. 

It turns out that it pays off to be picky about who handles your heating and cooling needs. 

At AAA Heating and Cooling, we have the prices, reputation, and extensive experience to support our role as the leading heating and cooling contractors in the Greater Portland Area. With over 63 years of experience and over 1,000 satisfied customers, we are the right choice for your residential or commercial HVAC needs. 

9 Tips on How To Choose the Right HVAC Contractor 

#1: Study Up on Your State’s Requirements for HVAC Contractors

Know your state’s requirements for HVAC contractors. Each state has specific licensure, bonding, insurance, and continuing education guidelines. 

In Oregon, there are two types of HVAC licenses, each with specific requirements that must be met before licensing, which include:

• Class A Limited Energy Technician (one of three requirements must be met to receive this license)
  • Completion of an approved apprenticeship in Oregon.
  • Official transcripts verifying 432 hours of required classroom training and verification of 6,000 hours of on-the-job training divided into specific work categories.
  • Verification of 12,000 hours of work experience obtained outside of Oregon, broken into specific work categories. It requires trade-specific installation experience in protective signaling (including fire alarms, nurse calls, burglar alarms, and other systems that are part of a fire or life safety system).
• Class B Limited Energy Technician (one of three requirements must be met to receive this license)
  • Completion of a board-approved apprenticeship program.
  • Verification of 4,000 hours of work experience equivalent to a board-approved apprenticeship program broken into specific work categories ​and completion of a board-approved 32-hour training program (may be taken after application is approved).
  • Verification of 8,000 hours of work experience broken into specific work categories.

Because technologies evolve, a state may also require HVAC contractors to complete continuing education courses to retain their licenses. 

To choose the most qualified contractors, be sure to ask your technicians for their licensing information and qualifications.  

#2: Understand Your HVAC Needs

Before hiring an HVAC company, know your system’s model and maintenance history.

The more information you know about your HVAC, the better. You can use your knowledge to discern which HVAC contractors are cool and which ones are blowing hot air based on what they know about working with previous HVACs of your make and model.  

#3: Ask for Referrals

When in doubt, trust who you know to guide you toward the best choice for an HVAC contractor. Look for contractor advice in your overly chatty neighbor, that one uncle who is obsessed with the thermostat, and your coworker who is always complaining it is too cold or too hot in the office. 

They’ll likely have an HVAC contractor they know and trust. 

For extra measure, be sure to ask whether their provider:

• Shows up to the job on time
• Remains within a reasonable price
• Never leaves a mess
• Is well-versed in the unique needs of those living in the Pacific Northwest

#4: Verify Credentials

Licensed HVAC contractors should have a state Construction Contractors Board number or a similar equivalent.

If this number isn’t readily available on a contractor’s website, don’t hesitate to ask for it. Then, verify that the license is active through the respective state board. Similarly, verify the contractor’s liability insurance coverage by asking for proof of coverage. Reputable HVAC contractors are generally happy to provide this information.

AAA Heating and Cooling is up to date with all of our credentials, insurance, and licensing requirements. Our CCB# is 222. Click here for more information about our company and its good standing with the Construction Contractors Board.

#5: Ask for References

When hiring an HVAC company, you’ll find that the best contractors stand by their work and gladly supply at least three references. 

Be sure to call the references and ask about the job the contractor performed and their satisfaction with the overall project. It’s also good to learn if the contractor arrived on time, performed the job by the deadline, and stayed within budget.

#6: Research Reviews

Reputation is another crucial factor to consider when choosing the right HVAC contractor. 

You can read reviews of the contractor on Google, social media pages (such as Facebook), Yelp, and more. While not every company is perfect, reviews will reveal problems a homeowner faces and how or if the contractor addresses them.

With over 1,000 five-star reviews, AAA Heating and Cooling remains the top choice for heating and cooling services in the Portland area. We guarantee that you will be pleased with our services and high-quality workmanship. 

#7: Obtain Written Estimations

If you need a new heating or cooling system, a specialist may take measurements of your home and consider its insulation, windows, and ductwork. 

Obtain all bids in writing, have contractors itemize them, and make sure they include details such as warranties. Doing this will ensure that both parties have a mutual understanding of the costs and services rendered necessary. 

#8: Consult the Better Business Bureau 

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a nonprofit organization helping consumers find trustworthy businesses, brands, and charities. 

Customers and associated organizations can leave reviews and complaints about businesses, which the BBB then verifies for accuracy after they are submitted. Businesses are always given an opportunity to respond and challenge the reviews. 

BBB differs from other online review options because it gives consumers a more balanced and whole picture to consider before choosing a contractor or business.

AAA Heating and Cooling has a BBB rating of A+!

#9: Work on a Signed Agreement

After selecting your HVAC contractor, ask the professional to provide you with a written proposal that you review and sign before work commences. 

A proposal specifies: 

• Costs
• Job schedules 
• Model numbers 
• Warranty information 
• Payment schedules
• And other details that will protect you should a problem arise

If a contractor does not want to provide a written estimate or proposal, choose a different company.

Choose the Right HVAC Contractor by Selecting AAA Heating and Cooling for All of Your HVAC Needs

The best time to choose an HVAC company for your home comfort needs is before you have a heating or cooling emergency. 

AAA Heating and Cooling has been hard at work keeping Portland cool for over 63 years! 

Our many happy customers are just one of the testaments to our dedication to excellence and quality customer service. 

Learn more about our services as the leading Portland HVAC company, or contact us for help with your heating and cooling system today.